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While presentism prevails in typical displays of intergenerational concern, some people feel exceptional levels of concern for near and distant future generations alike. In six pre-registered studies (N=4,787), we aimed to (1) map the personality characteristics of intergenerational concern and (2) develop a systematic approach to identifying exceptionally concerned individuals, whom we term “longtermists,” using attitudinal and behavioral metrics. Longtermists exhibit prosocial personality characteristics, including Big-5/HEXACO traits of open-mindedness, conscientiousness, and honesty-humility, fewer tendencies associated with “Dark Tetrad” personality traits (with the exception of narcissism), and primal world beliefs consistent with their personal contributions being needed and deserved by the world. These results elucidate the factors underlying intergenerational concern and equip policymakers and advocates with psychological profiles necessary to design more effective campaigns that resonate with farsighted intergenerational attitudes, potentially shifting public opinion towards greater consideration of future welfare amidst rising risk from climate change, pandemics, and global poverty.
Syropoulos et al. (Wed,) studied this question.